Nutrition

On the Daniel Fast, you eat plant-based meals that are nutritious and delicious, while setting aside other foods as an act of worship and sacrifice to the Lord. The importance of a Daniel Fast is in the heart of the sacrifice – disconnecting from regular luxuries for the sake of connecting more closely with God. Only you and God know what that looks like in your daily life. There is no shame or guilt in having to modify the fast according to your physical limitations. Do not let what you eat or do not eat become the focus of your fast. Your personal fast should present a level of challenge to it, but it’s very important to know your own body, know your options and, most importantly, seek God in prayer and follow what the Holy Spirit leads you to do.

See our FAQ page for answers to specific food-related questions.

FAQ

What foods can you eat?

According to our understanding of the Hebrew definition of “pulse,” that was used in the verse for vegetables, can actually mean a range of foods. Here is the Daniel Fast food list of what you are allowed to eat, a.k.a. your eating plan.

Consider it a stricter version of a vegan diet yet overall plant-based.

Apples, apricots, bananas, cherries, grapes, lemons, limes, peaches, pineapples, strawberries, watermelon, etc.

Asparagus, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, corn, cucumbers, lettuce, mushrooms, onions, potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, etc.

Whole wheat, brown rice, millet, barley, oats, quinoa, grits, whole wheat pasta, brown rice cakes, popcorn, etc.

Sunflower seeds, cashews, peanuts, sesame, nut butters (including peanut butter).

Dried beans, pinto beans, split peas, lentils, black eyed peas, kidney beans, black beans, cannellini beans, white beans.

Olive, canola, grape seed, peanut, and sesame.

Water (spring, distilled, filtered, or coconut), vegetable juice, natural fruit juice, nut milk (almond, coconut, or cashew), coconut kefir.

Tofu, soy products, vinegar, seasonings, salt (sea or Himalayan), herbs, spices.

What foods should you avoid?

On the Daniel Fast, you should not consume any of the foods or beverages listed below.

Beef, lamb, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, beef broth/stocks, etc.

Milk, cheese, cream, butter, eggs, etc.

Sugar, raw sugar, honey, syrups, molasses, and cane juice, etc.

Any product with yeast, baking soda (sodium bicarbonate), or baking powder.

Artificial flavorings, food additives, chemicals, white rice, white flour, foods that contain artificial preservatives.

Potato chips, French fries, corn chips, etc.

Shortening, margarine, lard, foods high in fat.

Including but not limited to: coffee, tea, herbal teas, carbonated beverages, energy drinks, and alcohol.

NOTE: Nutritional supplements are optional. If any are taken while on the fast they would preferably be in line with the accepted foods or ingredients that are listed.

Websites for Recipes

FORKS OVER KNIVES
ULTIMATE DANIEL FAST